Lucumi agent hints at Bologna exit; Tottenham transfer link

Jhon Lucumi’s agent has confirmed the 27-year-old Colombian centre-back is ready to leave Bologna this summer, telling Tuttomercatoweb that the chapter at the Italian club is now probably closed and that the player’s camp will assess the market carefully, with Tottenham among the clubs tracking his situation after Sunderland’s attempts to sign him last year were blocked by Bologna.

Agent Simone Rondanini’s comments are the clearest indication yet that Lucumi’s six-year association with Bologna is drawing to a close. The club failed to qualify for European football this season despite their recent history of Champions League participation, and the disappointment of that missed target has accelerated the likelihood of a parting this summer.

What Jhon Lucumi agent said about a Tottenham move

Rondanini addressed the situation openly with Tuttomercatoweb, acknowledging the failed Sunderland deal from last summer and framing this window as the moment for the next step.

“Obviously, there’s a bit of disappointment, because since he’s been at Bologna, the team has consistently achieved important goals. Personally, though, I think he’s continued to grow, and I think this has been especially evident in the final games of the season.”

On the prospect of a move, Rondanini left no ambiguity about the direction of travel. “Bologna is his home. As we know, there were already some significant opportunities last year, but ultimately no agreement was reached. I believe the boy is now ready for a new challenge, so we’ll carefully analyse the market and see if the conditions are right for everyone this summer.”

The reference to last summer is significant. Sunderland made a formal offer for Jhon Lucumi in 2025, which Bologna rejected despite the player’s camp pushing for the move. With his contract now running until only 2027, the Italian club’s position has weakened considerably and they are expected to be far more receptive to offers this time around.

Why Tottenham’s Marcos Senesi deal complicates the picture

The most interesting element of Sport Witness’s coverage is the caveat they raise themselves. Tottenham are reported to be close to signing Marcos Senesi on a free transfer, and the Argentine’s profile overlaps significantly with Lucumi’s. Both are experienced, physical centre-backs in their late twenties who can play out from the back and operate in a high defensive line.

If the Senesi deal is completed, a concurrent move for Lucumi becomes considerably less likely from Tottenham’s perspective. The reconstruction of Spurs’ defensive unit does require significant work following the expected departures of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, but replacing both with two players of a similar profile would be a strange approach to squad building. Either Senesi or Lucumi fits the brief. Both would create redundancy rather than balance.

Why other Premier League clubs should be paying attention

The Tottenham link may fade, but the broader Premier League interest in Lucumi is unlikely to. Bologna have been a reliable source of Premier League signings since 2024, building a commercial relationship with English clubs that both sides have benefited from. Lucumi fits the profile of player that movement has consistently involved: technically developed, proven in Serie A and available at a manageable fee given his contract situation.

A strong World Cup with Colombia this summer, where he will be one of the more experienced defensive figures in a competitive squad, could considerably expand the number of clubs willing to move. His agent is doing the groundwork now before that tournament amplifies the interest. Whether Tottenham, Sunderland or someone else entirely is first through the door remains to be seen.